Your hot tub’s water balance plays a vital role in ensuring both the longevity of your spa equipment and the quality of your soaking experience. A balanced spa not only looks great but also feels great to use. So, what exactly makes up your spa water balance?
There are five key factors that determine the overall balance of your spa water:
pH
pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your water. In a spa, maintaining the pH within the range of 7.2 to 7.8 is crucial. If the pH is too high or low, it can cause skin irritation, eye discomfort, or even damage your spa equipment. You can adjust the pH with products like Spa Life pH Up to raise pH, or Spa Pure pH Minus to lower it.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
Total Alkalinity (TA) measures the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. It acts as a buffer, helping to keep the pH stable. For spa water, the ideal range for TA is between 100 and 150 ppm.
Calcium Hardness (CH)
Calcium Hardness (CH) refers to the concentration of calcium in the water. Maintaining CH between 150 and 300 ppm helps prevent corrosion and scaling. Low CH can lead to corrosion of equipment, while high CH can cause cloudy water and staining.
Temperature
Keeping the spa temperature between 35°C and 40°C ensures a safe and comfortable experience. Higher temperatures can stress your equipment and lead to potential overheating, while lower temperatures might reduce the spa’s effectiveness in sanitizing.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
TDS measures the total concentration of dissolved materials, including salts and minerals. Keeping the TDS level below 1500 ppm is important to ensure clear water and proper chemical effectiveness.